Can milk, sugar damage kidneys? Foods to avoid for kidney health

Although small, kidneys are prominent organs that filter waste from your body while balancing the fluids and regulating blood pressure. Most people tend to ignore the health of their kidneys as they focus on protecting the heart and liver. Kidney health is often associated with the food we eat. Even though some foods might seem normal or are part of your staples, they could put severe pressure on the kidneys, causing kidney stones, high blood pressure and kidney damage. These seven foods could cause damage to your kidneys, so they should be limited or completely avoided.

Salt
High sodium levels lead to elevated blood pressure and extreme stress on the kidneys. Most Indians consume more than five grams of salt daily. Pickles, papad, packaged snacks and even home-cooked food exceed the daily limits of salt recommended by the WHO (less than five grams). Ingredients like cumin, coriander, ginger, lemon juice, garlic and pink salt can add flavour to food even if salt is added less.

Processed food items
Instant noodles, chips, frozen snacks, and ready-to-eat curries are loaded with sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. This leads to high blood pressure and severe kidney damage. Vegetables, pulses, and whole grains are healthy alternatives to processed food. Besides, homemade snacks like toasted chickpeas, flattened rice, and baked items can be enjoyed as delicious snacks.

Soft drinks
Most soft drinks contain high sugar and phosphate, which can cause kidney stones. This adversely affects calcium absorption and puts unnecessary stress on the kidneys. Meanwhile, the phosphoric acid contained in soft drinks and colas is extremely harmful. Lemonades, tender coconut water, and fruit juices keep the body hydrated and protect the kidneys.

Red meat
Although protein is essential, consuming too much red meat like mutton will increase the production of toxins like urea and creatinine. The kidneys may have to work harder to eliminate these toxins from the body, gradually weakening them. Dal, rajma, chickpeas, paneer, tofu, and curd are protein-rich food items that do not harm the kidneys.

Sugar
Consuming too much sugar may lead to diabetes and severe kidney damage. Binging on sweet treats like laddoos, gulab jamun, and halwa to satiate your sugar cravings would only harm your kidneys. Dates, small amounts of jaggery, mangoes, sapota, and bananas could be enjoyed as snacks. Including millets like ragi and bajra in your regular diet is excellent.

Fried food
Reusing oil, which is loaded with trans fat, will cause inflammation, obesity, and high blood pressure. Fried food and snacks sold in plastic covers on the street could cause severe health problems, including kidney damage. Steamed or grilled food, idlis, dhoklas, and baked samosas are good alternatives to deep-fried food. Snacks that are cooked in an air fryer or made using less oil can also be enjoyed.

Milk products
Milk products are a great source of protein. However, overconsumption of full-fat dairy will increase calcium levels and lead to kidney stones. Some processed cheese contains high salt content and preservatives. Low-fat yoghurt, toned milk, and plant-based milk (almond milk, oat milk) are excellent for health. Besides, leafy vegetables and ragi are some of the healthy sources of calcium.

Tea for cleansing the liver
Some kinds of tea contain compounds that improve liver health. These compounds improve the functioning of the liver and protect the organ from damage. Green tea contains catechins and is loaded with antioxidants. Green tea also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that ensure liver health. Meanwhile, milk thistle tea contains an antioxidant called silymarin that protects the cells in the liver. Turmeric tea has curcumin, whose anti-inflammatory properties will reduce liver swelling.